TEMECULA, Calif. – (Dec. 10, 2019) – The holidays came a few weeks early for 375 of the most disadvantaged children and their families in the Inland Empire. Monday, Dec. 9 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., hundreds of children from Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, Temecula and the surrounding communities were welcomed by special invitation to enjoy a 40,000-square foot Polar Express-themed winter wonderland inside the Pechanga Summit Events Center. During Pechanga’s fourth annual “Holiday of Hope” event, they “stopped” at nine different “stations” each conducted by Pechanga “engineers” (volunteers). These special guests met and took photos with Santa, watched holiday movies by a fire, enjoyed a traditional holiday meal, rode a train, listened to Christmas singers, decorated holiday cookies and more. Each child and his or her family were identified by the Temecula, Lake Elsinore and Murrieta School Districts as in-need individuals. According to a January 2019 report, there are 2,811 homeless children and adults in Riverside County, up from 2018’s count of 2,316.
“Pechanga is putting on this event for the fourth year because we understand how important holiday memories are for children as they grow up and how special they can be, and we just want to be a part of that and be able to share with our community,” said Jared Munoa, President of the Pechanga Development Corporation. “The Temecula Valley … it’s our home. So to be able to give back to Temecula as a community, the surrounding cities, and to be able to partner with nonprofits to help these children is something that’s indescribable.”
Each of the 375 children attending the Holiday of Hope event got to choose his or her very own, age-appropriate gift. Their families were also each given a gift basket containing a fleece blanket, hot cocoa, popcorn, family game and a grocery gift card. Pechanga also provided shuttle service to some of the families who live in Murrieta so they could be sure to get to the Holiday of Hope event.
“For my boys, they definitely feel special to receive these gifts from Pechanga. I feel like right now, I can’t do this for them so I feel blessed that there is an organization out there that can help my family – to provide toys and resources,” said Lake Elsinore and mom of two, Oda York-Lloyd.
The kids and families also enjoyed musical performances by the Chaparral and Great Oak High School choirs. These groups generously agreed to donate their time to this event.
About Pechanga Resort Casino
Pechanga Resort & Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the country. Voted the number one casino in the country by USA Today and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort & Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering more than 5,000 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 1,090 hotel rooms, dining, spa and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort & Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort & Casino on Facebook and on Twitter @PechangaCasino.
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